Newark, DE – A North Carolina man was arrested Monday night after an alleged armed confrontation and reckless endangering incident at a Newark hotel, authorities said.
According to the Delaware State Police, 24-year-old Messiah Bernavil of Greensboro, N.C., was taken into custody after troopers responded to reports of gunfire around 10:45 p.m. at the Sonesta ES Suites on Chapman Road. When officers arrived, they allegedly saw a man—later identified as Bernavil—running from the parking lot into nearby woods. Troopers said Bernavil, who allegedly had a small knife in his waistband, ignored repeated commands to stop before officers deployed a Taser to subdue him.
Investigators allege Bernavil had been waving a handgun inside his hotel room while several people, including two children, were present. Police reports indicate that when a 52-year-old woman attempted to leave the room, Bernavil allegedly grabbed her and refused to let her exit. He then reportedly fired multiple shots, damaging the hotel room but not striking anyone, before fleeing the scene. Troopers later recovered a handgun in the parking lot.
Bernavil was transported to a local hospital for evaluation, then taken to Troop 2 for processing. He was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $64,050 cash bail.
He faces multiple charges, including alleged possession of a firearm during a felony, multiple counts of alleged reckless endangering, unlawful imprisonment, endangering the welfare of a child, resisting arrest, carrying a concealed dangerous instrument, and criminal mischief.
Authorities urge anyone affected by crime or needing support to contact the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit or the Delaware Victim Center for 24/7 assistance.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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